Thanksgiving is known as a time of year when families gather. The day after Thanksgiving became known as Black Friday. People would camp outside of stores for hours to get the latest deals. As times have changed, people moved from waiting in long line to shop online the Monday after Thanksgiving which began Cyber Monday. The day after that is now known as Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday is an opportunity of moving away from the selfish purchases on Black Friday to selfless investment in a greater cause. I assert it should not take a special day to give back. Schools need support more than ever.
Giving does not have to be financial. My pastor like to say, “You can give God your time, tithe, and talent.” If you don’t want to donate find out how you can volunteer. If you have a skill, reach out and see how it can be used to support teachers or students. One year, I learned that a parent was a professional chef. That man catered a staff event, and it was the best food I had ever had at school. That might seem small, but sometimes teachers want more than just some free pizza.
My husband and I are giving our time by participating in our sons’ school Hallway Heroes program. We volunteer one to two hours a week by walking around the school and ensuring students are in class.
Yes, school staff are paid to do their jobs, but families should try to give back and support. This support should be recurring throughout the year.